Fig. 37-2. Muscles of
the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic aspect, showing different parts of the levator
ani. The pubococcygeus has several portions, sphincter vaginae, puborectalis,
and pubococcygeus proper, depending upon the direction and insertion of the
fibers. Some fibers of the puborectalis pass toward the sphincter ani externus
and can elevate the anus. Click for high resolution image.